Australia news live: farmers groups push back against ‘rushed’ Minns gun reforms; Coalition proposes terms of reference for antisemitism royal commission | Australia news
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Roland Browne, one of Australia’s leading gun control experts, told ABC News Breakfast that after a tragedy, society looks for hope and swift action on gun control can provide that hope.
In my involvement in gun law reform for over 40 years, after these horrific events, I talk about what happened in Bondi, what happened in Port Arthur, and indeed in my own experience, what happened in Dunblane, Scotland in 1996, people looked to the political leadership for a glimmer of hope, and what they were looking for was gun law reform.
It gives people the feeling that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that is the best thing against the pain, suffering and loss that people are experiencing. Therefore, it is very important that these reforms move forward quickly and that all states, regions and political parties get behind them.
He said the reforms made in 1996 after the Port Arthur massacre were a turning point, but laws cannot be made and forgotten. He added that gun control is “as good as the weakest link in the chain” and therefore any change should be nationalized.
States that have not recalled their parliaments must do so in February and take action to enact these laws.
The National Farmers Federation called for a slowdown in the effort to implement gun reforms, saying there was “limited interaction with the agricultural sector despite the recognition that firearms are needed in agriculture.”
National Farmers Federation chief executive Hamish McIntyre said:
We support sensible reforms that strengthen community safety, but these reforms need to be developed carefully and with appropriate consultation to ensure they do not harm farm safety, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
McIntyre said the Bondi terror attacks were “a tragedy that requires a serious response and we understand that governments must act decisively to ensure something like this never happens again.”
In more sobering words, the state’s peak farming body said any changes in NSW would “set the national tone”.
He added:
Aware of the seriousness of the moment we are in for our country, we will continue to defend farmers in a respectful, responsible and determined manner.
Proposed firearms laws ‘rushed’ and ‘unworkable’, say NSW farmers
NSW Farmers says Chris Minns It said the “rushed” new gun laws were “unworkable” and farmers were “misled” by the state government.
Association president, xavier martinHe said the state government had not spoken to the organization despite “multiple attempts” last week and was “deeply disappointed by the government’s failure to meaningfully intervene on what is a critical issue for farmers.”
Martin said:
Farmers are being misled by the NSW Government. It is incredible that this government allows generous capping exemptions for recreational shooters, but for farmers who need firearms to control pests, minimize biosecurity risks and humane management of animals, the government has not given us a second thought.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that farmers and agriculture have unique requirements when it comes to firearms, but these reforms were put together in such a hurry that the government did not even turn its attention to the unintended consequences and anomalies.
Firearms laws are complex and multi-faceted and it is deeply disappointing that the government has chosen not to speak to us despite our repeated offers to provide practical input and advice.
Martin said the 10 firearm limit for primary producers would impact those whose businesses are spread across multiple properties because it could require them to carry guns between properties, and said reducing the license renewal period from five to two years was “red tape for law-abiding farmers.”
NSW Farmers does not support unenforceable rules regarding firearms for farmers and agricultural workers and we will continue to make representations on behalf of our industry.
The Federal Coalition this morning published its terms of reference for a federal royal commission to investigate anti-Semitism in the run-up to the Bondi terror attack.
As AAP reports, the proposal includes scope to investigate attitudes towards Israel, as well as the roles of Commonwealth and state governments and institutions, the media, and the education and cultural sectors in relation to anti-Semitism and their potential contribution to terrorist attack.
AAP writes:
The proposed terms of reference include “the nature, prevalence and factors of antisemitism that led to the Bondi Beach attack in Australia… including antisemitism based on race, religion and attitudes or behavior towards the state of Israel”.
Pro-Palestinian activists have often sought to separate their criticism of Israel for its attack on Gaza following Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, from any anti-Semitic activity targeting Jews.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the prime minister’s response to Bondi’s horror was suggestions that were “too little, too late and would take too long”.
“Unless the Prime Minister confronts the causes of the Bondi massacre with honesty and determination, the victims of this terrorist attack and their families will be denied the justice they deserve.”
“Bondi is what happens when hate is tolerated and warnings are ignored.”
Welcome
Good morning, welcome to our live news broadcast. Monday, December 21st.
Thousands of people gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach last night to observe a minute’s silence for the 15 people killed in last week’s terror attack. The first speaker of the event was the Chairman of the NSW Jewish Board of Representatives. David OssipThe need for a federal royal commission was “indisputable”, he told the crowd of 15,000. Prime minister Anthony Albanese The plans were backed by the NSW Premier on Saturday. Chris Minnsto establish a state-based royal commission to provide a “comprehensive look” into the shooting.
Like the state opposition leader, Minns was greeted with loud applause at the event. Kellie Sloaneand federal opposition leader Susan LeyAlbanese, who did not speak at the event, was booed.
The loudest and longest cheer came when Ossip acknowledged his “incredible courage.” Ahmed al-AhmedThe person who neutralized one of the gunmen is still being treated in hospital for multiple gunshot wounds. Ahmed’s father lit the first candle of the menorah, which was lit on the occasion of the eighth day of Hanukkah.
Meanwhile, the NSW parliament reconvened for two days to introduce tough new laws on gun ownership and crack down on “hate speech”. The proposed laws include limiting the number of firearms most recreational shooters can hold to four, giving the state “extraordinary powers” to ban protests for up to three months after a terrorist incident is declared, and banning the phrase “globalizing the intifada.”
Like Luca Ittimani explains, intifada It means uprising or resistance and is the term used by Palestinians to describe the uprising against Israel.
Luca writes:
For Palestinians and their supporters, this may mean resistance to oppression, but many Jewish groups and leaders see it as a call to violence against people of their faith.
Two Jewish groups in NSW that are strong supporters of the Palestine movement have opposed the proposed crackdown on protests, saying the long-running pro-Palestinian rallies “have nothing to do with the attacks”.
We will bring you more details about the proposed legislation as the day progresses.
